NRL Finals Week 3 Preview
It’s all or nothing this weekend as our two games will decide who faces off in the 2022 NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium next Sunday.
North Queensland Cowboys ($1.70) v Parramatta Eels ($2.15)
Friday 23rd September 7:50PM, Queensland Country Bank Stadium
The Cowboys host the Eels in the first of the weekend’s fixtures, and will be confident of replicating their round 8 demolition in Darwin against their Sydney rivals. The Cowboys have name an unchanged lineup from their thrilling win over the Sharks in week one of the finals and despite having struggled as a club in recent seasons, still boast plenty of big game experience from the likes of Jason Taumalolo, Chad Townsend, Valentine Holmes, while Tom Dearden showed in Origin, he’s cut out for the big stage. The Eels have done it harder but will be buoyed by their big win over the Raiders last week, and as we have seen in 2022, their best is good enough to win the comp, but can they show that for another 160 minutes of football? I’m saying yes, and at the price, they look an attractive option to make their first grand final since 2009 and break their premiership drought.
Recommended Bet: Eels $2.15
Penrith Panthers ($1.35) v South Sydney Rabbitohs ($3.20)
Saturday 24th September 7:50PM, Accor Stadium
A replay of last year’s grand final comes a week early, as the Panthers, coming off a week’s rest go head-to-head with the red hot Rabbitohs, who will be keen to avenge last year’s agonising loss. Nathan Cleary was almost flawless in week one of the finals against the Eels and will once again direct around a fresh side, with a majority of the squad only playing one game in the past month. Expect to once see Ivan Cleay start with Mitch Kenny in the place of Api Koroisau, which has been effective for the side in the past. South Sydney were rampant against the Sharks last week and are timing their run to perfection, with rookie coach Jason Demetriou not getting enough of the credit he deserves for the side’s play this season. Young half Lachlan Ilias wore early season criticism after the club stuck with him over Adam Reynolds, and his combination with Cody Walker is really beginning to flourish, and I’m confident South Sydney have the ability to cover the line on Saturday night.
Recommended Bet: Rabbitohs +8.5 $1.90
